The days leading to Christmas were punctuated by much longing for family, friends and all the delicious things that make up Filipino Christmas. On ordinary days, silence and solitude suit me perfectly, but come Christmas season, I’d usually miss everyone. And this last Christmas, I felt like I really needed to be surrounded by those I love and those who love me. I felt like I needed to be with them and celebrate with them.
Perhaps because it was a year full of things that just struck you dumb. The year was heavy with deaths and diseases and other unwelcome incidents. A few of my friends lost one of their parents. Our high school valedictorian passed on. A friend’s only child is undergoing treatment for cancer. The list could go on. We don’t forget these things even as we celebrate. Christmas is a gift, a balm to our souls. I wanted my grateful, hopeful, loving self to celebrate with as many loved ones possible.
I thought a lot about those who are no longer with us, those that are grieving, those that are sick, and those who have sick loved ones. I think that the lights of people who’ve gone ahead are not extinguished but are in fact kindled in the heavens. They become stars in our firmament. At least that’s how I think of my Mother and my brother. They’re just there, twinkling their love upon us, giving us hope.
Happy 2012! May we give more and need less! May the light be always kindled in our hearts in the face of the dark! May the New Year be bright with bliss, peace, love, hope!
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